Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone 11: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to choose between the Google Pixel 4 and the iPhone 11? You’re not alone. Both phones were major players in their release year, offering compelling features and representing the best of Android and iOS.
This comparison dives deep into the key aspects that matter most to smartphone users. We’ll explore everything from camera capabilities and performance to battery life and overall user experience. Get ready to discover which device truly shines.
Whether you’re an Android aficionado or an iOS loyalist, this article will provide a comprehensive overview. We’ll help you determine which phone, the Google Pixel 4 or the iPhone 11, perfectly aligns with your needs and preferences, guiding you to make the right choice.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Pixel 4 | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.7 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | OLED | LCD (Liquid Retina) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | Apple A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12.2MP + 16MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Battery Capacity | 2800 mAh | 3110 mAh |
| Operating System | Android | iOS |
| Water Resistance | IPX8 | IP68 |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
-
Design & Build
- Google Pixel 4: Features a compact design with a prominent square camera bump and a glass back. It offers a premium feel with its aluminum frame and comes in various colors. However, some find the bezels a bit dated compared to other flagships.
- iPhone 11: Sports a similar design language to previous iPhones, with a glass back and aluminum frame. It has a more colorful aesthetic and is known for its durable build quality. The thicker bezels are noticeable for some users.
- Winner: Tie
-
Display
- Google Pixel 4: Boasts a 90Hz OLED display, offering smoother animations and visuals. It delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the display size is relatively smaller compared to the iPhone 11.
- iPhone 11: Features a Liquid Retina LCD display, providing excellent color accuracy and brightness. While not OLED, it offers a sharp and enjoyable viewing experience. It lacks the 90Hz refresh rate found on the Pixel 4.
- Winner: Pixel 4
-
Processor & Performance
- Google Pixel 4: Powered by the Snapdragon 855, it delivers fast and responsive performance for everyday tasks and gaming. While capable, it’s slightly older compared to the iPhone 11’s chip.
- iPhone 11: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, offering superior performance and efficiency. It handles demanding tasks and games with ease and delivers a smoother overall experience.
- Winner: iPhone 11
-
Camera
- Google Pixel 4: Features a dual-camera system with excellent image processing and computational photography. It excels in low-light conditions and offers impressive portrait mode capabilities. However, it lacks an ultra-wide lens.
- iPhone 11: Comes with a dual-camera system that includes an ultra-wide lens, expanding creative possibilities. It captures great photos and videos with accurate colors. It’s known for its user-friendly camera interface.
- Winner: Tie
-
Battery Life
- Google Pixel 4: Suffers from below-average battery life, often requiring daily charging. The smaller battery capacity is a significant drawback.
- iPhone 11: Offers significantly better battery life compared to the Pixel 4, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use.
- Winner: iPhone 11
-
Software & Updates
- Google Pixel 4: Runs on a clean and bloatware-free version of Android with timely software updates directly from Google. It offers a smooth and intuitive user experience.
- iPhone 11: Runs on iOS, known for its user-friendliness, security, and long-term software support. It provides a seamless ecosystem experience.
- Winner: Tie
-
Special Features
- Google Pixel 4: Introduces Motion Sense, using radar technology for gesture controls. Also boasts impressive astrophotography capabilities. However, these features are not always practical.
- iPhone 11: Offers features like Face ID for secure unlocking and Apple’s ecosystem integration. It focuses on user experience and simplicity.
- Winner: Tie
-
Price & Value
- Google Pixel 4: Initially priced as a flagship, the Pixel 4 is now available at reduced prices. Its value depends on the user’s priorities regarding battery life.
- iPhone 11: Offers a good balance of features and price, making it a competitive option in its class. It presents a good value proposition for the features offered.
- Winner: iPhone 11
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Camera (Overall) | Pixel 4 |
| Performance | iPhone 11 |
| Display Quality | iPhone 11 |
| Software Experience | Pixel 4 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 |
| Ecosystem | iPhone 11 |
What They Have in Common:
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, allowing for convenient charging without cables.
- Fast Charging: Both devices offer fast charging capabilities, enabling users to quickly replenish their battery.
- Dual-Camera Systems: Both the Pixel 4 and iPhone 11 feature dual-camera systems, offering versatile photography options.
- Face Unlock: Both phones utilize facial recognition technology for secure unlocking and authentication.
- High-Quality Displays: Both phones offer vibrant and sharp displays, providing an enjoyable viewing experience.
- 4g Lte Connectivity: Both phones support 4G LTE connectivity for fast data speeds and reliable network access.
Google Pixel 4 Vs Iphone 11 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Google Pixel 4 features a distinctive, compact design with a prominent camera square on the back. It sports a glass back and an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel. The iPhone 11, on the other hand, boasts a more traditional design with a glass back and an aluminum frame, but with a slightly thicker build. The iPhone 11 provides a larger screen size. Both phones offer IP68 water and dust resistance, offering protection against the elements. Consider your preferences for aesthetics and screen size when choosing between these two devices.
Display Quality
The Pixel 4 has a vibrant OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone 11 features an LCD display, offering excellent color accuracy and brightness, although lacking the 90Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 4’s OLED screen delivers deeper blacks and better contrast. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: a smoother experience with the Pixel 4 or a bright, accurate display with the iPhone 11. Consider your usage habits, as the higher refresh rate of the Pixel 4 is more noticeable during gaming and scrolling.
Performance and Software
The iPhone 11 is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, delivering exceptional performance and responsiveness. The Pixel 4 uses the Snapdragon 855 processor, which is still a capable chipset. The iPhone 11 excels in sustained performance and handles demanding tasks with ease. Both phones offer smooth multitasking capabilities. On the software side, the Pixel 4 runs on stock Android, providing a clean and bloatware-free experience with timely updates. The iPhone 11 uses iOS, known for its user-friendliness and ecosystem integration.
Camera Capabilities
The Pixel 4 features a dual-camera system with impressive computational photography capabilities, excelling in low-light conditions and portrait mode. The iPhone 11 also has a dual-camera system, offering excellent image quality and video recording capabilities. The iPhone 11 offers a wider lens. Both phones capture stunning photos and videos, but the Pixel 4 often produces more dramatic results, thanks to its advanced image processing. The iPhone 11 is excellent for video. Consider your priorities: computational photography or a wider lens and video capabilities.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 11 generally offers better battery life compared to the Pixel 4, thanks to its larger battery capacity and efficient processor. The Pixel 4’s battery can drain faster with heavy usage. Both phones support fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups. The iPhone 11 also supports wireless charging. Battery life is a crucial factor for many users, so consider your usage patterns and whether you prioritize longer battery life or the convenience of fast charging and wireless charging.
Price and Value
When these phones were new, the iPhone 11 and Pixel 4 were priced similarly. However, the iPhone 11 is now more readily available at a lower price point. The Pixel 4, being older, is now significantly cheaper and can often be found at a bargain. Assess your budget and consider the features you value most. The iPhone 11 offers a slightly better overall value, given its excellent performance and features. The Pixel 4 is a great option if you prioritize camera performance and can find it at a lower price.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy google pixel 4 If…
- You prioritize a pure Android experience with timely software updates.
- You value Google’s exceptional computational photography capabilities.
- You appreciate a compact phone size.
- You want advanced features like Motion Sense.
Buy iphone 11 If…
- You prefer the iOS ecosystem and its user-friendly interface.
- You want a phone with a great balance of features and performance.
- You desire a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You prioritize long-term software support and a wide range of accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in design?
The Pixel 4 has a more compact and distinctive design, with a prominent camera square and a glass back. The iPhone 11 features a more traditional design with a glass back and a larger screen. Both phones offer IP68 water and dust resistance. The Pixel 4 also has a smaller overall footprint, making it easier to handle with one hand compared to the iPhone 11.
Which phone has a better display?
The Pixel 4 boasts an OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing smoother animations and deeper blacks. The iPhone 11 features an LCD display, offering excellent color accuracy and brightness. The Pixel 4’s 90Hz refresh rate is noticeable in gaming and scrolling, making the overall experience smoother. The iPhone 11 has a brighter display.
How does performance compare?
The iPhone 11 is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, delivering exceptional performance. The Pixel 4 uses the Snapdragon 855 processor, still a capable chipset. The iPhone 11 excels in sustained performance. Both phones offer smooth multitasking. The A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone 11 is slightly more powerful, leading to slightly faster performance in certain tasks.
Which phone has a better camera?
Both phones have excellent cameras. The Pixel 4 excels in computational photography, especially in low-light conditions and portrait mode. The iPhone 11 offers excellent image quality and video recording. The Pixel 4’s image processing delivers dramatic results. The iPhone 11 captures great videos. The choice depends on your priority: computational photography or video.
How does battery life compare?
The iPhone 11 generally offers better battery life due to its larger battery capacity and efficient processor. The Pixel 4’s battery can drain faster with heavy usage. Both phones support fast charging. For users prioritizing battery, the iPhone 11 is the better choice. The iPhone 11’s battery life is a significant advantage for users who need all-day usage.
What about software and updates?
The Pixel 4 runs stock Android, offering a clean experience with timely updates. The iPhone 11 uses iOS, known for its user-friendliness and ecosystem integration. Google provides frequent security patches and software updates for the Pixel 4. Apple provides regular updates to iOS, ensuring that the iPhone 11 stays up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
Which phone is better value for money?
Considering their current prices, the iPhone 11 offers a slightly better overall value. The Pixel 4, being older, can be found at a lower price, making it a good option if you prioritize camera performance. The iPhone 11 offers a more complete package, with great performance, a good camera, and better battery life. The choice depends on your budget and preferences.
Final Verdict
The Google Pixel 4 and iPhone 11 are both excellent phones, but the iPhone 11 offers better battery life and sustained performance. The Pixel 4 excels in camera capabilities. However, the iPhone 11 provides a more well-rounded experience. The iPhone 11 is the better overall choice for most users, considering its balance of features and value.
Winner: iPhone 11